Chris Hixon

Chris Hixon was an American athletic director and coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who tragically lost his life during the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. He was a dedicated and well-respected member of the school community, known for his passion for sports and his commitment to his students, as evident from his work with the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Florida High School Athletic Association. Hixon's life and career were deeply connected to the world of sports, with influences from notable figures such as Vince Lombardi and John Wooden. His dedication to his work was also reflected in his involvement with organizations like the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the American Athletic Conference.

● Early Life and Education

Chris Hixon grew up in East Setauket, New York, and developed a strong interest in sports from a young age, inspired by athletes like Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan. He attended Newfield High School in Selden, New York, where he was an active member of the school's athletic teams, competing in events like the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships. Hixon then went on to study at New York Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in Sports Management and was influenced by the works of James Naismith and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. During his time at college, he was also involved with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

● Career

Hixon began his career as a coach and athletic director at Sachem High School in Lake Grove, New York, where he worked with students and athletes, including those participating in the New York State Championships and the National Federation of State High School Associations tournaments. He later moved to Florida and took up a position at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he became a beloved and respected member of the school community, working closely with organizations like the Florida High School Athletic Association and the Broward County Public Schools. Hixon's career was marked by his dedication to his students and his passion for sports, as reflected in his involvement with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the American Athletic Conference. He was also influenced by the work of notable coaches like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer, and was a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

● Death and Legacy

Chris Hixon tragically lost his life on February 14, 2018, during the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, along with 16 other victims, including Aaron Feis and Scott Beigel. The shooting was a devastating event that shocked the nation, prompting widespread calls for Gun control in the United States and School safety measures, with organizations like the National Rifle Association and the Brady Campaign weighing in on the debate. Hixon's death was mourned by the school community and beyond, with tributes pouring in from figures like Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, and Marco Rubio. His legacy continues to be felt, with many remembering his dedication to his students and his passion for sports, as reflected in the work of organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Florida High School Athletic Association.

● Personal Life

Chris Hixon was a devoted husband and father, with a strong commitment to his family, including his wife, Debbie Hixon, and his sons, Corey Hixon and Tom Hixon. He was also an avid sports fan, with a particular interest in teams like the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins, and was influenced by the work of notable sports figures like Vince Lombardi and John Wooden. Hixon's personal life was marked by his kindness, generosity, and dedication to those around him, as reflected in his involvement with organizations like the United Way and the American Red Cross. He was also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

● Tributes and Honors

In the aftermath of his death, Chris Hixon was remembered and honored by the school community and beyond, with tributes pouring in from figures like Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, and Marco Rubio. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School athletic field was renamed in his honor, and a scholarship fund was established in his name, with support from organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Florida High School Athletic Association. Hixon's legacy continues to be felt, with many remembering his dedication to his students and his passion for sports, as reflected in the work of organizations like the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the American Athletic Conference. He was also posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, with the support of organizations like the National Rifle Association and the Brady Campaign. Category:American athletic directors